I have what is probably a simple plumbing question.

Our hot water has started doing something odd. Single story home. Water heater in the kitchen.

More often than not, when we turn the hot water on in the bath or the kitchen, it barely trickles. After turning if off and on a few times, it acts normally.

When we do this in the kitchen, same story. But because of our proximity to the WH, we hear a 'bang' in the vicinity of the WH just prior to the stream becoming a normal flow. A 'bang', not a "BANG".

This past summer/fall, we noticed a water-hammer noise inside when the outside spigot was being used. Don't know if one has anything to do with the other.

Any thoughts?

Your advise is much appreciated.

Hi, it sounds like it may be the shut off valve causing the problem, check the valve and see if it is working properly. What type of shut off valve do you have at the water heater?

I do not know. I can not find the paperwork on our WH. How can I check to see?